Last time…
"Dad, is everything ok?" Beca asked as she and Jesse walked further into the kitchen hand in hand.
Tripp continued laughing, "Well, well, well… it's about damn time!" he said before he turned the newspaper toward them so they could read the headline on the front page. The headline read:
"COLD CASE BLOWN WIDE OPEN BY NEW EVIDENCE:
Elijah Babineaux, Robert Aucoin and Pierre Dugas
Indicted in Toussaint Plantation Fire"
CHAPTER 25:
Beca and Jesse were speechless. They did it. They provided the state with the evidence that could potentially imprison those guilty of arson and murder. Amy hadn't said anything to them. Maybe she was told not to, but this was Amy after all, certainly she would have said something, had she known.
"What's wrong with you two?" Tripp asked, puzzled as to why they were standing there gaping and speechless. Before they could answer Charlie and Nora were barreling through the kitchen door.
"Have you seen the newspaper this morning?" Charlie asked no one in particular.
Beca and Jesse were still standing there stupefied and unable to form a complete thought let alone a sentence.
"Isn't it great?!" Tripp asked. "It's about damn time those sons of bitches got what was coming to them."
"I wonder who re-opened the case." Nora asked.
"There's a cold case unit within the police department. It's their job to crack open cold cases and take a fresh look at the evidence and collect new evidence if necessary." Tripp told them.
"What's up with you two?" Charlie asked turning to look at Beca and Jesse.
Everyone looked at Beca. She was much paler than usual. "Beca, baby… are you ok?" Tripp asked her.
Beca took the glass of water Jesse handed her, took a sip and placed the glass on the table in front of her. "Umm… yeah, I-I-I'm ok." she stuttered. She pushed her chair away from the table, grabbed Jesse's hand and rushed out of the room.
Beca and Jesse's Bedroom…
"Babe, what's wrong?" he asked as she closed their bedroom door.
"What's wrong?!" Beca repeated as she paced. "What's wrong is we didn't think this through. What's wrong is when my dad finds out I'm part of the reason this case is back in court he's going to skin me alive! What's wrong is this is Luke's dad! What's wrong is that we can't seem to get away from the fucking Babineaux's!"
Jesse reached out and grabbed her wrist to get her to stop pacing. She was sobbing as he pulled her into an embrace and held her tightly. "Babe, it'll all work out. Don't let this get to you." He begged.
Back in the kitchen…
"Is Beca ok?" Nora asked no one in particular.
Lucy nodded. "She still gets a little squeamish and upset at the mere mention of the Babineaux's."
"I wish there was something I could do." Nora said.
Lucy smiled and patted Nora's hand. "Just being here for her is enough."
Not really wanting to talk about the Babineaux's any longer, Lucy brought up the wedding and soon the two women were drinking tea and in full blown wedding mode.
Tripp and Charlie just shook their heads.
"Women are so easily distracted." Charlie said. The men shared a laugh before sitting at the opposite end of the table to continue their conversation.
"Can you believe it Charlie?" Tripp asked. "Justice will finally prevail."
"If I'm honest, I never thought I'd see the day." Charlie told him.
"Would you like me to call John?"
"Tripp, that would be great. I want to be there when they're indicted."
"If you don't mind, Lucy and I would like to be there with you and Nora."
"That would be great. Thanks Tripp."
11am Monday morning
Natchitoches Parish Courthouse
Judge Jude T. Arceneaux's Court Room
"All rise." the bailiff bellowed. "The Honorable Judge Jude T. Arceneaux presiding." Everyone stood as Judge Arceneaux walked in and took his seat on the bench.
"You may all be seated." he said. Turning to the bailiff he asked, "What's on the docket this morning Rusty?"
"Your Honor, this is the indictment hearing for Elijah Babineaux, Robert Aucoin and Pierre Dugas." Rusty said as he handed Judge Arceneaux the file.
Judge Arceneaux took a few moments to look over the record, shook his head and smirked before he addressed the court, "Let the record show that District Attorney Robert Gambino is present and representing the State of Louisiana, The Toussaint Estate, Mr. Charles Thomas Toussaint et al. Also present is Mr. John Breaux on behalf of the Toussaint Estate and family and last but not least, Mr. Edward Williams, attorney for Mr. Elijah Babineaux." Looking up the Judge asked, "Who will be representing Mr. Aucoin and Mr. Dugas?"
Mr. Williams stood and buttoned his suit coat. "If it pleases the court, I will be representing all three of the defendants in this case Your Honor."
"That's a mighty big undertaking Mr. Williams. Are you sure you're up to the task?"
"With all due respect, I have to be here anyway. The number of defendants shouldn't matter."
"Suit yourself." Judge Arceneaux said turning to Mr Gambino. "Mr. Gambino, what've we got?"
"Your Honor, as I'm sure you're aware the mystery of the Toussaint Plantation fire has been unsolved for 20 plus years. A cold case unit was given the case; old evidence was examined and new evidence was collected. After processing the new evidence, it was found that the three defendants may have been involved in some way."
"What are the charges?"
"Mr. Babineaux, Mr. Aucoin and Mr. Dugas are being charged with First Degree Arson Resulting in Death, Vandalism of a Crime Scene and Criminal Mischief."
"For the record, please tell the court the names and ages of the deceased." Judge Arceneaux instructed.
"Chloe Grace Walker, age 22 and Shelby Savannah Toussaint, age 3; both were trapped in the home and died of smoke inhalation as a result of the fire."
At the mention of Shelby's name, Nora began sobbing. Shelby would be Chloe's age if she were still with them. She wondered who Shelby would be and what she would be doing. She wondered how she would have gotten on with Jesse and Jamie. She imagined that she would be very similar to Beca and Rae, in that she would have had fair amounts of prim and proper mixed with spunk and sass. She was blessed to have had Shelby for 3 years but there wasn't a day that went by that she didn't wish that Shelby was still with them.
"Thank you Mr. Gambino." Judge Arceneaux said turning toward the defendants. "Mr. Williams, do your clients have full knowledge of the charges and understand them?"
"Yes, Your Honor."
"And they're ready to enter a plea?"
"Yes sir."
"Ok, this is how this is going to work. I'm going to call each of you individually, you'll stand, I read the charges then you'll enter your plea. Understood?"
The three defendants acknowledged the judge with nods and 'yes sirs'.
"Mr. Elijah Babineaux, you are being charged with First Degree Arson resulting in death, Vandalism of a Crime Scene and Criminal Mischief. Do you understand these charges?"
"Yes, Your Honor."
"And how do you plead?"
"Not Guilty."
"Thank you Mr. Babineaux, you may be seated."
"Mr. Robert Aucoin, you are being charged with First Degree Arson resulting in death, Vandalism of a Crime Scene and Criminal Mischief. Do you understand these charges?"
"Yes, Your Honor."
"And how do you plead?"
"Not Guilty."
"Thank you Mr. Aucoin, you may be seated."
"Mr. Pierre Dugas, you are being charged with First Degree Arson resulting in death, Vandalism of a Crime Scene and Criminal Mischief. Do you understand these charges?"
"Yes, Your Honor."
"And how do you plead?"
"Not Guilty."
"Thank you Mr. Dugas, you may be seated."
"Let the record show that all three defendants have entered pleas of 'Not Guilty' to the charges being brought against them." Turning to his long time court reporter, Judge Arceneaux asked, "Rosie, when can we set this for trial?"
The courtroom was quiet as Rosie checked the schedule. "Your Honor, we can schedule for next Wednesday at 10am."
"That's only nine days, does that work for all of you?"
Mr. Gambino and Mr. Williams checked their schedules and both agreed that the following Wednesday would work."
"Great. We'll all meet back here next Wednesday."
Standing slowly and nervously, Mr. Williams asked, "Can we discuss the matter of bail?"
"Normally I would consider bail Mr. Williams, but all three of your clients have the monetary means to be long gone by next Wednesday. They will all be remanded to the custody of the parish jail where they will be held throughout the course of this trial."
"Yes, Your Honor." Mr. Williams said defeated. After what happened with Luke's trial he knew better than to try testing the waters.
"I trust that if a continuance is necessary, that one or both parties with notify this court within a reasonable amount of time."
"Of course." Mr. Gambino said. Mr. Williams simply nodded his head. He didn't intend to file a continuance as his clients wanted this done and over with; the sooner the better.
"If we're through here, then court is adjourned." Judge Arceneaux said as he pounded the gavel.
"All rise." Rusty bellowed.
Nine days later...
Natchitoches Parish Courthouse
Judge Jude T. Arceneaux's Court Room
"All rise." Rusty bellowed. "This court is now in session. The Honorable Judge Jude T. Arceneaux presiding." Everyone stood as Judge Arceneaux walked in and took his seat on the bench.
"You may all be seated." he said turning to Rosie.
Rosie stood and said, "Case Number 49835624 - State of Louisiana, The Toussaint Estate, Mr. Charles Thomas Toussaint et al. vs Elijah Babineaux, Robert Aucoin and Pierre Dugas."
"Thank you Rosie. You may all be seated." Judge Arceneaux said folding his hand on the desk. "I trust that all parties are ready to proceed with this case."
"We are Your Honor." Mr. Gambino answered for everyone.
"Rusty, please swear everyone in."
Rusty stood and raised his right hand. He waited for everyone in the courtroom to rise and raise their hands. "Do you solemnly swear or affirm that you will tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?"
"I do." was heard throughout the courtroom.
"You may be seated." Judge Arceneaux told them. "Because this is not a jury trial and we're all familiar with the case, we're going to skip the opening arguments and cut to the chase. Mr. Gambino, whenever you're ready."
Mr. Gambino told John that he had a few surprises for the trial but refused to elaborate so the Robicheaux and Toussaint families sat in the courtroom in anxious anticipation. They had no clue what was in store but hoped it would sew up the case.
Standing up and buttoning his suit coat he said, "The state would like to call Mr. Lucas James Babineaux to the stand."
Beca gasped. She hadn't seen Luke since their meeting and she had hoped she would never see him again. What in the world did he have to do with this case?
"Your Honor, we were not informed that Lucas Babineaux would be a witness in the case, especially given the fact that his father is on trial."
"Your Honor, a certified letter was mailed to Mr. Williams office 8 days ago and was signed for by Ms. Clara Daigle. I have the green card and a copy of the letter right here." He said handing the letter and card for the judge."
"Mr. Williams, it appears that everything is in order. You may want to have a discussion with your staff. Rusty, please show Mr. Babineaux to the witness box so Mr. Gambino can proceed."
Luke walked into the courtroom. He looked awful. He was walking with a very noticeable limp and his face appeared to have run into the fist of a few prisoners. Beca buried her face in Jesse's chest. She really didn't need this right now. She just wanted to move on. Why did everything always come back to Luke?
Rusty approached the witness box with a bible. Luke stood, raised his right hand and placed his left hand on the bible.
"Do you solemnly swear or affirm that you will tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?" Rusty asked him.
"I do."
"Mr. Babineaux. Please state your full name for the court."
"Lucas James Babineaux."
"Thank you. Do you mind if I call you Luke?"
"No sir."
"Thank you. Luke, do you know why you're here today?"
"Yes, I have information regarding the fire at the Toussaint Plantation."
"What do you know about the fire?"
"I was told-"
"Your Honor…" Mr. Williams said standing up. "Anything Mr. Babineaux knows about the fire and could testify to, is hearsay."
"I understand what Mr. Williams is saying, but the information that Luke can testify to has to do with things his father asked him to do." Mr. Gambino informed the court.
"I'll allow it but let's be sure to get to the point quickly. I don't want this to be long and drawn out."
"Yes sir." Mr. Gambino answered. "Luke, do I need to repeat the question?"
"No sir." Luke replied. "I was told that my grandfather and my dad asked Mr. Aucoin and Mr. Dugas to set the fire because at the time Ms. Lucy Delacroix asked to be released from her marital obligation to my dad so she could marry Mr. Robicheaux. My family was angry because the Delacroix's owed my family money."
"Why did the Delacroix's owe your family money?"
"It was a gambling debt. The debt was to be consider paid in full on the day my dad married Ms. Delacroix."
"If this was a feud between the Babineaux's and the Delacroix's, how did the Toussaint's become involved?"
"An error was made."
"An error?"
"My dad wrote down the address and they misread the address."
"They?"
"Mr. Aucoin and Mr. Dugas."
"Do you know the address that was written down?"
"Yes, it was the Robicheaux's."
"If the address was written down, how is the Toussaint Plantation the one that was burned down?"
"The addresses are very similar."
Handing Luke a piece of paper, Mr. Williams asked. "Do you recognize the address written on that document?"
"Yes sir."
"Please read the address aloud for the court."
"15039 N. Chinquapin Acres Road."
"Whose address is that?"
"The Robicheaux's"
"And what about this address?" Mr. Williams asked handing Luke another piece of paper.
"The Toussaints."
"Please read the address aloud for the court."
"15930 N. Chinquapin Acres Bend."
"Thank you. Now, moving on… Were you asked to do anything with regard to the fire in question or the parties involved?"
"Yes sir."
"What were you asked to do?"
"About 6 months ago, my dad heard that the cold case unit was reopening the Toussaint case. He wanted me to distract the progress by doing something to deflect the attention away from him, Mr. Aucoin and Mr. Dugas because he could 'feel the cops breathing down his neck'."
"Luke, what were you asked to do?"
Luke dropped his head. He knew this was going to be hard but he knew he had to continue to be honest. "My dad is still really very angry about Ms. Delacroix marrying Mr. Robicheaux. It was so long ago, you'd think he'd have let it go by now. He's told me that while he loves my mom, he's not in love with her and that he's always been in love with Mrs. Robicheaux."
"I understand that Luke but what were you asked to do?"
"Sorry, I was trying to give some background." Luke said. He took a deep breath and continued on. "My dad told me that I needed to 'fuck & scare Beca into submission' as a way of holding her feet to the fire about the marital arrangement because 'we're out of money and the Robicheaux's have more money than the Queen of England'. He said that we needed the Robicheaux money to continue to live the lifestyle which we had become accustomed to. He said that once I had done that, that Beca was as good as mine and that she would 'never think about that homeless, pathetic cowboy again'. I knew Beca didn't love me and I knew that she'd never agree to marry me. She told me so herself."
Luke paused again looking at Beca who was sobbing at his latest revelation. As much as she wanted to look away, she couldn't. Her eyes were fixed and steady on Luke.
"Please continue." Mr. Gambino prompted.
"So on the night I attacked Beca, my dad dropped me off at the front gate of the Robicheaux Plantation so as not to alert anyone to my presence on the property. Then he went up the road to wait. He said that from where he was waiting, he could hear Beca's screams for help and he laughed. He did nothing. In fact, he left me high and dry when he saw the cops heading to the Robicheaux's. He heard her screaming and he left. He left me."
"Oh, my God, Jesse. He used me… he used both of us." Beca whispered. Jesse held her a little tighter as he felt her body begin to tremble.
"How do you know your dad heard Ms. Robicheaux screaming?"
"He told me he did. He said he enjoyed it and knew that I was doing what I was supposed to be doing."
"So, your attack on Beca Robicheaux was orchestrated by your father and carried out by you?"
"Yes sir." Luke had the decency to look ashamed.
"And when he found out you didn't succeed?"
"He criticized me and said I was worthless fuck up. He said that I couldn't have carried it out if he had given me step by step instructions."
"Did he say anything else?"
"That he should have hired someone to to take care of business instead of trusting me to handle it."
"You've been convicted of attempted sex crimes and you still protected your dad when you could have outted him at any time after your arrest."
"I did because I was told that I should always have my family's back, no matter what was at stake. So, if that meant I had to take the fall alone, then so be it."
Beca couldn't take it anymore and ran out of the courtroom. Tripp attempted to go after her but Jesse put his hand on his shoulder telling him to stay and letting him know he would take care of her. Jesse wasn't far behind Beca. She was reeling from what she had just heard and needed to get out of there. She needed air... fresh air. It was stifling in there and she felt like she was suffocating.
When Beca got out of the courtroom she didn't stop she ran straight out of the front doors of the courthouse and over to the azalea bushes where she began vomiting violently. She continued emptying the contents of her stomach all the while feeling bad for the poor azalea bush she was ruining. Her mom had just commented on their way into the courthouse about how beautiful they were.
When Jesse caught up to her he immediately took her in his arms. She was limp and nearly collapsed. She sobbing inconsolably as Jesse pulled her as close to his chest as he could before walking them over to a nearby bench. Beca sat on his lap and buried her face in his chest inhaling the sweet smells of Jesse and home.
Jesse sent a quick text to Tripp. "Beca's sick. I'm taking her home. See you this evening."
The time they spent in court was long and emotional and Beca really hadn't spoken much since they left the courthouse. When they arrived home, she went upstairs to change clothes and they went out for a ride. They rode for a while before spending several hours by the creek. Most of the time was spent in complete silence. They were both content to just be; words really weren't needed.
Once they arrived back home, Beca showered and went straight to bed. Jesse managed to distract her by laying with her and watching movies. He could tell that even though she was watching, she wasn't really paying attention. She eventually completely zoned out, finally drifting off to dreamland much earlier than he expected.
Jesse kissed the top of her head "Sweet dreams baby. I love you." he said before reaching up to turn off the lamp on the bedside table.
Beca could feel the sun on her face and the warm summer breeze as it washed over her damp skin. She was lying on the grass with Jesse by her side. He was propped up on his elbow and running his fingers up and down her side. He watched as goose bumps formed on her skin and she smiled that special smile she reserved just for him.
He couldn't take it any longer, he had to have her. He straddled her and planted soft, sweet kisses up her belly. When he got to her bikini top he could see her nipples were already beginning to pebble beneath her black bikini top. He loved this bikini, of course, it's not one he'd want her to wear in front of others. It was a strapless, stringy Brazilian bikini that looked absolutely amazing on her and left very little to the imagination.
Beca ran her hands up his strong arms as he pulled her bikini top down and immediately took her nipple in his mouth while he rolled her other between his thumb and forefinger. Beca's back arched off the blanket as she moaned under his expert hands.
He kissed down her abdomen stopping at her belly button so he could swirl his tongue around inside it. He tugged her bikini bottom down, sinking his tongue into her precious, wet, sensitive flesh. She cried out as he nipped and sucked her overly sensitized clit. He eased first one finger then another into her, circling her insides.
As he moved back up her body, Beca pulled her legs up and hooked her toes into the waistband of Jesse's swim trunks. She was pretty impressed with her skills as she pushed them down his legs. His thumb continued to circle and tease her clit as he buried himself deep inside her.
As they matched each other thrust for thrust, Jesse kissed her in the sweet spot beneath her ear then moved along her jaw and back to her mouth. Their tongues were dueling for dominance but when Beca opened her eyes and panicked. She was somewhere else, with someone else.
"NO! Get off of me!" She screamed. "Jesse!"
It was 2:30am and Jesse sat bolt upright in the bed. Beca was screaming and thrashing around. Her arms high above her head and her legs were flailing like she was trying to get away from something or someone else.
Jesse could only watch as Beca's eyes urgently swept around her tightly shut eyelids. He would do anything to know what she was thinking as he watched the beads of sweat glisten on her forehead and she bit her lip. Her cheeks were flushed, her mouth parted in silent terror as she struggled her way through the dream that plagued her sleep.
Beca was in the stables. She could smell hay and could see Whiskey just to the left of her.
"Shhh, Whiskey… it's ok." She pleaded in her sleep.
Luke kissed her neck. Her skin crawled then she felt the pinch of her skin as Luke jabbed the needle into her arm.
"Oww... fuck!"
Jesse heard her screams and burst into the stables. Without a second thought, Luke turned and shot him. Jesse dropped to the ground like a rag doll.
Luke laughed wickedly. "He can't help you now princess… no one can!"
"No! Jesse!" Beca wailed. "Jesse!"
She kicked her legs and tried to get away but she couldn't get her arms free. Luke backhanded her and she could suddenly taste her own blood. Whiskey was bucking and thrashing wildly inside the stall.
"Beca… wake up baby. I'm here." Jesse whispered sweetly in her ear.
Beca screamed again, her head thrashing back and forth on her pillow. "Luke, please don't... Please…"
He started sucking and biting her neck and chest so hard that she winced in pain, biting her own lip to keep from making anymore noise.
"Beca… wake up sweetheart." Jesse said rubbing her arm. He'd read somewhere that you're really not supposed to touch someone having a nightmare so he was trying to give her the space she needed and not to crowd her but seeing her this way was heartbreaking.
He was leaving marks that she was going to have to look at for days and weeks to come. Each time Luke touched her he left an icy trail on her skin that was an unwanted as the common cold at Christmas.
"I swear I'll behave. I'll cooperate. " Beca had tears running down her cheeks. "Please don't."
Luke unbuttoned her jeans and she stilled, eyes wide.
Jesse gently wiped her tears away. "Beca, don't cry baby. Wake up, open your eyes."
"JESSSSEEEE!" she wailed. "PLEEEAASSSEEE HELP MEEEEE!"
Jesse couldn't stand it any longer. He knew he wasn't supposed to touch her but he couldn't sit by and watch this any longer. He scooped her up in his arms and held her close, whispering in her ear. "I love you Beca. Open your eyes for me please."
Beca couldn't see Eli Babineaux but she knew he was there. She could hear his footsteps and smell his cigar. The smell was enough to make her sick.
Within seconds of Beca's blood curdling screams Rae was banging on the door. "Jesse, what's going on in there? Is Beca ok?"
"No, she's not. She's having another nightmare."
Eli Babineaux stepped out of the shadows and was now staring at her; an evil glint in his eyes and an approving smirk on his face. He had a glass of whiskey in his hand and was smacking his lips loudly.
"I'm going downstairs to wake my dad." Rae said. "Be right back."
Jesse could hear her running down the stairs. He knew Beca would be upset that everyone was getting involved and would know what happened during her nightmares. This one was different though, he couldn't get her to wake up.
He held her a little tighter and stroked her cheek as she continued to whimper. "Beca, please, please wake up." he begged as he heard Tripp and Rae coming back up the stairs.
"Cowboy. Is that what you call him? How cute is that?" He said as he pressed the knife into her flesh before dragging it across the tattoo. "This has got to go!" Beca could feel blood oozing out of the fresh wound on her hip.
"JESSSSEEEE! PLEEEAASSSEEE!" she wailed. " PLEEAASSSEE, HELP MEEEEE!"
When Tripp heard her scream he ran faster. It felt like everything was happening in slow motion and he couldn't get to his little girl quick enough.
"I'm here my love. I'm right here." Jesse told her. "Please open your eyes."
Banging on the door, Tripp yelled "Jesse, what's going on?"
"Beca's having another nightmare. I can't get her out of this one."
"Open the door!" Tripp demanded.
"I can't sir. I'm with Beca. Just use your key… unlock it."
Jesse heard Tripp fiddling with keys and the door opened. Nothing could have prepared Tripp for what he saw. Jesse was sitting in the middle of the bed with Beca cradled in his arms. He ran to the side of the bed and started to stroke her arm as she sobbed.
"Beca, it's Daddy. I'm here with Jesse." he said gently. "Baby, can you wake up for us?"
"Daddy." She whimpered.
"I'm right here sweetheart." Tripp reassured her.
"Daddy…" she continued to whimper. "I-I-I'm not a tramp."
Lucy gasped. She and Rae clung to each other at the foot of the bed watching what was taking place, not knowing what else to do.
"No, my baby girl, you most certainly aren't. Please wake up for me." Tripp asked her. He kissed her forehead and continued rubbing her arm.
"I-I'm trying." she said mumbled as she squirmed around a bit in Jesse's arms.
"Can you try harder?" Tripp asked her.
"Noooo…" she moaned as she turned and snuggled into tighter to Jesse's chest.
Rae stood watching as her sister, her rock, a pillar of strength, dissolve into a ball of anxiety and fear. She had never witnessed one of Beca's nightmares and God willing she would never have to see another one.
Jesse felt completely helpless. He was in tears watching her struggle to wake up. This was torturing all of them. He couldn't stand seeing her this way. "Beca, come back to me. Come on baby, it's time wake up." Jesse pleaded. "Come back."
And just like that it was over. What felt like an eternity to Jesse but it was actually only a matter of a few minutes. Jesse was still holding her as her eyes blinked opened slowly. She was drenched in sweat; her eyes immediately started darting around the room. Jesse knew she was looking for Luke.
"He's not here baby. He can't hurt you anymore." Beca sat up and threw her arms around Jesse's neck.
"Momma, Rae and I are here too Beca." Tripp told her.
Beca looked up and saw all their concerned faces. Lucy rushed to Beca's side of the bed. She held for a few minutes in peaceful silence before she asked, "Do you want to go dress shopping tomorrow? That might help get your mind off things."
Beca nodded in response. She wanted to go back to court but knew that probably wasn't the best idea. "I'd like that." she said. "Can Amy come too?"
"Sure she can." Lucy kissed Beca's cheek as Rae pushed her way into the hug.
"I love you Beca." Rae told her. "Can I go shopping with you tomorrow?"
"I'd really like that." Beca said. "And Rae… I love you too, more than you'll ever know."
Beca hugged her mom and Rae one more time before they walked out of the room arm in arm.
"Daddy, I'm so sorry I woke everyone."
"It's quite alright my baby. We love you." he said kissing her forehead.
"Jess… thank you for being here with Beca."
"I can't think of any place I'd rather be."
Tripp shook Jesse's hand and walked across the room. Before he closed the door he said, "Get the sheets changed and get Beca in the shower and cleaned up before she goes back to bed. Everything's drenched and I don't want her catching a cold."
"Yes sir, I will."
When they got out of the shower, Beca sat on the side of the tub, "I'm scared." she admitted as she began crying again. Beca never admitted fear. She was absolutely fearless.
"Do you want to talk about it?"
Beca's hands were in her lap. She wouldn't look at Jesse, instead choosing to stare at her hands as they sat in silence for several minutes.
"We don't have to talk about it if you don't want to." Jesse said kneeling in front of her and taking her hands in his.
Several more minutes passed before Beca said, "Luke killed you. You came in the stables to find me because you heard me screaming and he shot you. You were lying on the ground and I couldn't get to you because I was tied up. You were dying and I couldn't save you. All I could do was watch." Her body was shaking and she burst into tears.
"Shhh… it's ok. I'm here. I'm alive and well. I'll always be right here." he whispered as he rubbed her back. She was hugging him so tightly he could hardly breathe. Her face smashed into the crook of his neck.
They sat holding each other in silence for several minutes before he said, "Look at me, let me see your face."
She shook her head 'no' and mumbled "Sing to me."
"If you want me to sing then you're gonna need to ease up around my neck. I can't breathe very well." he told her as he scooped her up and carried her to bed.
Beca gave a tiny giggle then loosened her grip. His singing always had a way of soothing her like nothing else could.
Laying on the bed facing each other, Jesse began singing as he caressed her cheeks.
"Its not easy anymore, everything has changed
In one blink of an eye, but I'm not the man to lay the blame
I won't let you slip away, I'm trying so hard to make this right
I have nothing left to do, nowhere else to turn
And I know its dark babe
Please turn on the lights
Let me see you crying
You're not here alone
I'm in here with you trying
I wanna see the truth
And find the broken pieces
We can make it right but you have, you have to
turn on the lights
We can step into the sun, kiss the night good bye
Those things that hold you down cut 'em loose and fly
So keep reaching for my hand, It'll be hard for you to see
The shadows fill the room, baby I wont let you go"
With each word he sang, he could feel Beca relax a little more. She hadn't had a nightmare in a while and this one was bad.
And I know its dark babe
Please turn on the lights
Let me see you crying
You're not here alone
I'm in here with you trying
I wanna see the truth and find the broken pieces
We can make it right but you have to, you have to turn on the lights
"Please don't be afraid, girl its only me
Yea, I am right here to help you
Turn on the lights
Let me see you crying
You're not here alone
I'm in here with you trying
I wanna see the truth and find the broken pieces
We can make it right but you have to, you have to turn on the lights"
They were now both resting comfortably, Jesse's back to the headboard and Beca's head on his chest. As she drew designs on his chest with her finger she asked, "Will I ever truly be free of him?"
"I certainly hope so."
A/N:
1) Sorry (not sorry!) for the unexpected emotional roller coaster. We now know the truth about Beca's assault. She had no idea that trying to get answers and digging up evidence about the Toussaint fire would lead to such revelations and the return of her debilitating nightmares. Happier times are ahead.
2) "Turn On The Lights" by Wade Bowen (I came across this song and looked up the story about it. This beautiful, sweet song was written by Wade Bowen for his wife Shelby as she suffered through postpartum depression. While Beca has not experienced PPD, I love the song, so I changed a few words in the song to better fit this story line.)